If your home relies on a septic tank then you’ll already know that regular inspections play a key role in identifying issues early and avoiding expensive problems down the line. But one question many homeowners ask is: how much does it cost to get a septic tank inspection?
At Mantair we offer a free initial site survey which is a visual inspection to assess the tank and site. For full certainty, especially when selling or buying a property, we provide a paid compliance survey. This is an in-depth inspection where the tank is emptied, fully inspected and accompanied by a written report with recommendations and costs. In this article, we’ll explain why tank inspections matter, and how investing in a compliance survey inspection can add value and peace of mind for homeowners.
Why Septic Tank Inspections Matter
A septic tank works by letting solids settle in the tank whilst liquids flow out to a soakaway/drainage field. Over time however, sludge builds up, components age and soakaways can become blocked.
A thorough inspection will give you a professional assessment of your system’s condition and highlight any early signs of wear or failure before they turn into major headaches. For example, a blocked soakaway/drainage field or a failing dip pipe/baffle can cause slow drainage, bad smells or even effluent surfacing in your garden; all things that are far more expensive to fix than the cost of a routine inspection.
In addition, since the 2015 regulations around septic tanks were introduced, there’s a stricter set of rules around wastewater compliance. A professional inspection can help to confirm whether your system meets current standards and also flag any work that may be needed to bring it up-to-date.
What Influences The Cost Of A Septic Tank Inspection?
Several factors can affect the final cost of an inspection and knowing about these ahead of time can help you to know what to expect.
Type of Inspection
An initial visual site survey will generally cost nothing, as we offer this at Mantair as part of your first enquiry. A full compliance survey that includes emptying the tank, detailed inspection, and a written report will have a cost, but provides full certainty for sellers or those needing proof of compliance. If you’re buying or selling a property, or planning significant changes to your home, a comprehensive compliance survey might be the more appropriate choice even if it costs a little more. We’ve included more information about what each of these surveys include in this blog.
Accessibility
Easy access to your septic tank can make the inspection simpler and quicker. If the tank is in a difficult location or buried beneath landscaping for example, additional work may be needed to reach it before the inspection can be carried out, which can add to the time and cost. For example, if the current tank is not accessible due to being located in an overgrown vegetation area, this will need to be cleared before the inspection.
Larger or Multi-dwelling Sites
Inspecting a single dwelling is usually quicker and less costly than inspecting a site with multiple dwellings. On larger sites, more work may be required, and in some cases, two engineers may be needed to cover the area thoroughly.
Septic Tank Emptying
In some cases, during a free initial site survey the tank may need to be emptied to allow a better visual inspection, though this is not required in all circumstances. For a full compliance survey however, the tank will always need to be fully emptied to allow a thorough inspection. Most tanker companies charge per 1,000 gallons, with costs typically ranging from £95 – £180.
CCTV
For a free initial site survey, a CCTV drain survey is not usually required. For a full compliance survey, a key part of the inspection is determining the construction and route of the outlet pipe, so a CCTV survey may be required and access to the outlet pipe is therefore necessary. Most sites already have an outlet manhole which allows straightforward access. On some sites where this is not the case, we may need to revisit to install a manhole, which would allow the survey to be completed. Any additional visit would incur an extra charge.
Company Expertise and Reputation
Highly-experienced and trusted professionals may charge more but they also bring a depth of knowledge that can catch subtle signs of future trouble. With a system as important as your septic tank, quality matters, and choosing a provider with a strong portfolio can give that additional peace of mind.
What Mantair’s Free Initial Site Survey Covers
Our free initial site survey is a visual inspection carried out by our engineers to provide an overview of your septic tank’s condition. Whilst it doesn’t always involve emptying the tank or extensive testing, it can still identify potential issues and help determine whether a full compliance survey may be needed.
A free site survey may include:
- Tank Overview: Visual check of the tank’s general condition, covers and accessibility.
- Pipework Check: Inspect accessible pipework for obvious blockages or damage and attempt to determine the outlet discharge where possible.
- Soakaway/Drainage Field Observation: Look for surface signs of issues such as soggy ground, pooling water or unusually healthy grass.
- Recommendations & Repairs: Provide advice on whether further investigation or a full compliance survey is needed and identify any required repairs or upgrades, including cost estimates within a quotation.
Note: Some situations may require emptying or follow-up visits to fully assess access but this is not standard for every free site survey. By contrast, full compliance surveys always involve emptying the tank and a detailed inspection.
What Mantair’s Full Compliance Survey Inspection Covers
In addition to standard inspections, a compliance survey is becoming increasingly common in the UK, especially given the changes to septic tank regulations. Some mortgage lenders may require a compliance survey before approving a property purchase or renewing an existing mortgage. A solicitor may also request a compliance survey as proof that the system meets current regulations. For homeowners selling a property, or those concerned about meeting environmental obligations, this type of survey offers clear direction on what might be required to meet the updated legal requirements.
A full compliance survey inspection with Mantair includes:
- Full Tank Inspection: Examination of the septic tank’s condition.
- Regulatory Compliance Check: Ensure that the system meets Environment Agency and local authority requirements.
- Structural Assessment: Check for cracks, displaced covers, damaged baffles and the tank’s general condition.
- Tank Sizing: Ensure that the tank is appropriately sized for your dwelling.
- Water Separation Check: Confirm that surface water and foul water remain completely separate, with no cross-contamination.
- Soakaway/Drainage Field Assessment: Inspect the condition of the soakaway/drainage field and look for signs such as surface water, soggy ground or unusually healthy grass. Percolation testing may be recommended where necessary for further investigation.
- Access & Outlet Verification: Confirmation that the outlet pipe is accessible and correctly discharging and note if further work is required for access.
- Pipework Checks: Inspect all accessible pipework for flow, blockages and damage.
- CCTV Inspection: Conducted where relevant for further assessment.
- Repairs & Upgrades: Identify any required work and provide cost estimates within a quotation.
- Written Report: A detailed report is provided for your records.
- Photographic Evidence: Include photos of the tank, pipework and soakaway/drainage field in the report for clear documentation.
How Mantair Carries Out Septic Tank Inspections
At Mantair our experienced engineers evaluate all the key elements of your system thoroughly and document the condition of the tank, pipework and soakaway/drainage field. We can also advise on the likelihood of a system upgrade and the alternative options available; including a Mantair conversion unit and sewage treatment plants. We aren’t tied to any single manufacturer, so you can be assured that our advice is completely unbiased.
Advising on how much a septic tank inspection costs can be tricky without first understanding your specific system. Factors such as access, tank size, soil conditions and the depth of inspection (whether it’s a free visual site survey or a full compliance survey) all play a part. What does remain consistent is the value that a professional inspection brings; something that can’t be underrated for an integral part of your household.
With a free initial site survey, our engineers can carry out a visual inspection and provide an overview of your system’s condition. For homeowners seeking full assurance, a paid compliance survey involves emptying the tank, a detailed inspection and a written report with any required recommendations.
If you’re considering an inspection or would like to find out more about a compliance survey, Mantair’s friendly team is here to help. Contact us on 01255 853890 or email enquiries@mantair.com to arrange a consultation.